Interview /// Concrete Playground meets Ooby Ryn

Get ready for the party season Auckland, because Cambridge based fashion designer, Robyn Brooks is excited to announce she is bringing her highly anticipated label, Ooby Ryn to town for the first time this summer. From October 1, Ooby Ryn Summer 2011 "Harlequin" will be readily available to Aucklanders from the popular retail store, Wallis located in Devonport and Mt. Eden.

Since its inception in 2006, Ooby Ryn has become recognised as a go to label for summer party dresses and race wear alike and this season's 'Harlequin' collection is no different, full of playful patterns, feminine silhouettes and a juxtaposition of colour that embodies the show stopping qualities inspired by the traditional Italian theatre character of Harlequin.

Concrete Playground caught up with Robyn Brooks to unravel the daily grind behind life as a fashion designer.

Most days you will find me at my Ooby Ryn store in Cambridge.

When I'm not there I'm enjoying the Cambridge lifestyle which includes riding my horse, hanging out with friends or entertaining my adorable Maltese x Chihuahua dog, Wilson.

At the moment I'm very busy designing winter 2012, making hats and fascinators for the upcoming racing season, preparing for the SPCA cupcake day on August 29th and finishing my lingerie outfits for the KidsCan fantasia fashion show at NZ Fashion Weekend.

I'm inspired by interesting fabrics, unique colour combinations and travelling, especially to cities with a great art culture.

My most memorable moment in the industry so far has been having the opportunity to design clothes for charity events. As a designer I find it very rewarding to be able to offer my skills and brand to help support worthy causes such as the SPCA and KidsCan, which I am currently involved with.

Being a fashion designer in New Zealand is refreshing!! New Zealand creatives are very innovative compared to the rest of the world and it's great to be part of such a unique fashion community.

Next on my agenda is to take Ooby Ryn international and start sourcing a selection of unique materials from overseas to incorporate in my designs.

I secretly love imagining I'll be the best designer in the world one day!!!